2026-244Latest orbital launch: Falcon 9 · Starlink Group 15-16 · Oct 27, 2026 · VandenbergLaunch record →
sci-techmaventhe history of spaceflight, in data
  1. Home
  2. Spacecraft
  3. Cosmos 503
// optical imaging · 1972

Cosmos 503

Cosmos 503 was launched on July 19, 1972 aboard a Voskhod 11A57 from Plesetsk. Latest status in GCAT: landed (Aug 1, 1972).

COSPAR 1972-056ANORAD 6114Soviet Union

Identity

Name in GCAT
Kosmos-503
Common name
Cosmos 503
Payload designation
Rotor No. 47L
Other names
Zenit-4M No. 47L:P,11F691 No. 780-33-267:RA
International designator
1972-056A
NORAD catalog number
6114
GCAT identifier
S06114
UN registration
A/AC.105/INF.254

Mission

Mission type
Optical imaging
Use
Defense
Program
Zenit-4M
Country
Soviet Union
Builder
TsKBEM Filial No. 3
Platform (bus)
Zenit-4M

Launch

Date
July 19, 1972 · 13:45 UTC
Launch record
1972-056Success
Spaceport
Plesetsk · pad LC43/3

Orbit and fate

Orbit class (GCAT)
LLEO/I
Perigee
186 km
Apogee
264 km
Inclination
65.43°
Status
Landed
Status date
August 1, 1972
Last known active
Aug 1, 1972
End of operations
Aug 1, 1972

Size

Mass
2,200 kg
Dry mass
2,200 kg
Total mass with attached objects
6,000 kg
Length
6.0 m
Diameter
2.20 m
Span
6.0 m

Source: GCAT payload, deep-space and lander catalogs, Jonathan C. McDowell (CC BY 4.0); Wikidata Q13566866 (CC0).